Thomas McDermott

Eulogy

My husband was such a wonderful man. I'm not sure I can really express just how much I will miss him. Not only was he a wonderful husband, but a wonderful father, grandfather, brother, friend, ...and so much more. Tom’s ability to make everyone feel secure and loved were his greatest strengths. It has been over 42 years since we were first married and I look back over those years with so much happiness. I remember our wedding day, one of the happiest days of our lives. Tom was so proud and happy, as was I. Tom looked so handsome in his suit and I was so proud to become his wife. We exchanged our vows and that was the start of so many wonderful years devoted to each other. Tom was always such a gentleman – well mannered and polite, but always quick with a witty remark. His joviality and good nature attracted people the moment he walked in the room, and no one could forget his cheeky, funny character. The grandchildren in particular remember his sense of humour. Connor remembers Murphy, that funny Leprechaun, they would play hide n seek with it and that funny diddly diddly song. Jess remembers the fun walks from school and him complaining it got longer and longer each time. Lily remembers playing chase and grabbing his false teeth. I’ve never seen anything so funny in my life. Christian remembers him helping open his presents and build his toys. No one else could provide them with this much fun. Although Tom had such a humorous side to him he also had such a loving side. Evie loved her hugs where he squeezed her so tight and Tobe just beamed with joy at all the love. Tom touched the lives and hearts of everyone he met, friends, family, neighbours, shopkeepers, bus drivers, policemen and even the postman, whenever he left the house people would stop and call ‘Hello, Tom how are you?’. He is going to be greatly missed by everyone. Tom was such an amazing caring son-in-law to my parents. He loved them like his own parents. Sadly I never got to meet his mother, but she must have been an amazing woman to have a son like Tom. Born and bred in Ireland, Tom always had a passion for the outdoors. In our early life together, he was always either in the garden, working and building memories or out on his beloved bike. He would sometimes cycle for hours just loving the fresh outdoors. When we had our wonderful daughters ¬ , Tracy and Mary – he was delighted. Tom was a wonderful father to them. They respected and loved him deeply. The day he gave them away at their weddings made him so happy and he grew to love his son-in-laws Kevin and Frank like his own sons. He was my soulmate and my inspiration – my rock that helped me through thick and thin, especially when we lost our granddaughter, Angel and our own child years before. I know it broke Ton’s heart. Tom supported and loved us all, and was always there to help navigate through life’s challenges. Tom may be in heaven now, but I know he is looking down at us with a big smile on his face saying, “I love you all – make the best of life – and I’ll see you soon. I’ll be watching over you all and keeping you safe always” Goodbye, my dear, sweet husband, rest now and sleep tight. I Love you. Xxx

5th Aug 1938 - 16th Apr 2020